Danielle Fishel recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The former “Boy Meets World” star, aged 43, disclosed her condition during the latest episode of her podcast “Pod Meets World,” which she co-hosts with Rider Strong and Will Friedle. She explained that she is dealing with an initial stage of breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ.

“It’s very, very, very early,” she clarified. “It’s considered stage zero.”

Fishel, renowned for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the beloved sitcom, reassured her listeners that she is optimistic about her health and is planning to undergo surgery.

She also shared that she previously thought she would handle such news quietly, waiting until her health improved to announce it to the public.

Ultimately, she chose to speak out in hopes of raising awareness and motivating other women to schedule their annual mammograms.

“The only reason I caught this cancer at stage zero is that the day I got my reminder for my yearly mammogram, I scheduled the appointment,” she explained. “They detected it so early that I’m confident I will be well. I want to share this because I hope it will inspire others to get screened,” she added.

Understanding ductal carcinoma in situ

According to the Mayo Clinic, ductal carcinoma in situ is a preliminary type of breast cancer where “cancer cells are found only within a milk duct in the breast” and have not spread to surrounding tissue. While it has a “low chance of spreading and becoming life-threatening,” the clinic emphasizes the need for assessment and consideration of treatment options. The Cleveland Clinic describes this condition as highly manageable.

Fishel mentioned that she still has consultations ahead to determine her treatment options, noting that Strong and Friedle were among the first individuals she informed about her diagnosis.

In March, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm publicly disclosed her diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ. During an interview with “Good Morning America,” she revealed that she underwent a lumpectomy after her diagnosis in January and is now cancer-free.

“Discovering breast cancer at its earliest stage makes it highly treatable,” Storm shared with “GMA.” “There are numerous steps one can take. However, I know many women skip their annual mammograms. Some are apprehensive, while others have packed schedules with children or jobs, or are caring for aging parents. It can be challenging to prioritize personal care. But advocating for your own health is crucial,” she advised.

In March, actress Olivia Munn revealed that she had been dealing with “aggressive, fast-moving cancer” in both breasts, opting for a double mastectomy. The “Newsroom” actress expressed gratitude for catching the cancer early thanks to her OB/GYN’s assessment of her breast cancer risk.

“I consider myself lucky,” Munn expressed in an Instagram update. “We identified it promptly enough that I had various options. I wish the same for every woman facing this challenge in the future.”